Amor backs Reds strike force

Steve Barrett @stevejbazz
1448186508

Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor refuted suggestions his struggling side needs to search externally for a premier striker, believing there are plenty of potential match-winning attacking options within the current squad.

The Reds attack had a number of opportunities but failed to land a killer blow in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against the Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium, which extended the Reds’ winless start to the season to seven matches.

While Adelaide managed to at last stem the recent flurry of goals conceded - 14 in total across the previous four matches - their inability to convert at the other end let the Jets off the hook.

Pablo Sánchez, the Reds’ leading goal-scorer this season, never left the bench, Sergio Cirio had a relatively quiet afternoon and Bruce Djite hasn’t notched an A-League goal since Round 18 last season.

But Amor is maintaining the faith, saying: “We’ve got Bruce as our No. 9, as is Eli Babalj, but he’s injured,” Amor said.

“Pablo can play there and Sergio can play there as well. We have plenty of options for that position.

“We had a lot of control (against Newcastle) and a lot of chances.”

Adelaide’s bid for a drought-breaking triumph was dealt an early setback when defender Osama Malik exited the contest in the eighth minute after sustaining a hamstring injury in seemingly innocuous fashion.

Amor is unsure about the seriousness of Malik’s injury but the key centre-half could be in doubt for this Saturday’s clash with arch rival Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.